Apparatus for preparing brewed beverages, and a capsule, capsule system and method for producing a brewed beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brewing apparatuses face errors in recognizing capsule coding due to soiling and edge damage, leading to unreliable detection.
Innovation Solution
A brewing system with a capsule having a base with light input and output surfaces and light conductors, where a light source emits light into the base and a detector reads the coding from the light output surface, shifting recognition functionality away from the capsule's exterior and making it less susceptible to soiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capsule edge is used for coding recognition, then the recognition system can be implemented, but the recognition reliability deteriorates due to soiling and edge damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The coding recognition function is extracted from the capsule edge and relocated to the capsule base. The base includes a light input surface, light output surface, and light conductor that conducts light from the input surface to the output surface, creating a dedicated recognition area that is not affected by handling soiling or edge damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Light conductors are introduced as intermediaries to transfer light signals through the capsule base. The light conductor receives light at the light input surface and conducts it to the light output surface, enabling reliable optical recognition without direct contact with soiled capsule surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If color recognition is used to identify capsule types, then the system can differentiate beverages, but recognition accuracy deteriorates when packages are soiled or colors reflect similar frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The optical recognition system replaces color-based visual recognition with a light conduction system. Light is emitted into the capsule base, conducted through the light conductor to the light output surface, and detected by a light detector. This mechanical/optical system is not affected by color reflection similarities or surface soiling that plague color recognition methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable capsule recognition, reducing errors and allowing for precise control of brewing parameters like temperature and time, enabling efficient brewing of various beverages.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light conductor to conduct light from the light input surface to the at least one light output surface
Implementation Method 2
the light source is operative to emit light into the base via the light inlet surface of the capsule
Implementation Method 3
at least one light detector arranged opposite the at least one light-output surface of the capsule when the capsule is arranged on the brewing chamber, to detect light emitted by the at least one light-output surface on the base
Data Source
AI summary
A brewing system includes a brewing apparatus and a capsule containing a substance for brewing. The capsule has an opening on one side and a base on an opposite side. The base includes a light input surface, a light-output surface and a light conductor to conduct light from the light input surface to the light output surface. The apparatus includes: a brewing chamber including an inlet for heated water, an outlet for the brewed beverage, and an opening in communication with the opening of the capsule. A light source on the brewing apparatus emits light into the base via the light inlet surface of the capsule. The light conductor conducts the light to the light-output surface. A light detector of the brewing apparatus detects light emitted by light-output surface on the base of the capsule. A method of operating the brewing system and a capsule system are also described.